Another showdown
between Heaven and Hell; and at least
in some sense, Peter would become the New Testament counterpart
to Job . Though this be said of Simon Peter in particular, it is
clear by the use of [humas], the plural pronoun, that Satan had
cast a wide net before the LORD. It could be read: Simon,
Satan hath desired to have ya'll. Odd, isn't it, how few
there are from Scripture, that Satan takes just such a personal interest
in? Question: Are you enough of a threat to evil to draw
the Devil out if "Simon" were
removed from this account, and the name left anonymous?
Peter had lofty
intentions in following CHRIST, but still lacked the character to achieve them.
He would indeed become a vital ingredient to church planting ...
if only the chaff could be sifted; and who better to take us
to the threshing floor than one who will thoroughly sift us to
separation. Though it be a little difficult to reconcile
this side of Glory, all of Satan's work on Earth is neither done
outside of GOD'S vantage, nor off of HIS tether.
"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you
with water; but ONE mightier than I cometh ... WHOSE fan is in
HIS hand, and HE will throughly purge HIS floor, and will gather
the wheat into HIS garner; but the chaff HE will burn with fire
unquenchable." Don't panic at the choice of
oxen GOD allows to pull the wheel, the WINNOWER has carefully
weighed the stone, gauged the wind, and is counting the
revolutions.
"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and
when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." The mill is meant to produce grain, healthy and nutritious, for
the strength of those about GOD'S table. Be strong,
"thy faith" will stay thee
under the stone and ensure the real grain of your life to endure
the WINNOWER'S fan. Oh, for the blessed conversion of HIS
floor, where the chaff of flesh and sin is winnowed away ... and
wheat one day turns to gold!
"But HE knoweth the way that I take: when HE hath tried me, I
shall come forth as gold."